By Thomas Grant Jr.
The partnership between Ridge View and Bojangles has produced a successful preseason basketball tournament in the Bojangles Bash.
Now, the two parties are teaming up to highlight one of the high-profile early-season high school football matchups in South Carolina.
The August 28 home game against four-time defending Class 5A champion Dutch Fork mark the inaugural Bojangles/Ridge View Kickoff Classic.
“There is no better partner in high school athletics than Bojangles has been,” Ridge View Athletics Director Brian Rosefield said. “Not only is this game an incredible matchup, but the Bojangles Ridge View Kickoff Classic will become a high-level experience for everyone. We look forward to bringing another first-class event to the City of Columbia, Richland County, and the state of South Carolina.”
This is the 13th meeting between the Blazers and Silver Foxes dating back to 2004. Ridge View holds a 7-5 lead in the series, but Dutch Fork has won five of the last six meetings.
The lone win for the Blazers during that span occurred in 2015. It was a 28-21 victory that took place at Blythewood High School four days after a major flood washed over the Midlands and marked one of just two region losses handed to Dutch Fork the last 12 years.
Ironically, the Silver Foxes won last year’s meeting with Ridge View by the same score. Before a televised audience, Dutch Fork rallied for the win as quarterback Jaxon Knotts’ scored on a 25-yard run with 39 seconds left.
Knotts’ father and head coach Tom Knotts enters the season on the verge of history, A 17-time state champion (10 in South Carolina, 7 in North Carolina) and winner of 502 career games, Knotts is seeking a record 11th state title in the Palmetto State.
Dutch Fork is also seeking to match the only ‘5-peat’ in state history.
Ridge View is coming off an 8-4 season in which it finished second in Region 5-5A and reached the post-season for the third time in five years. Last year’s team had nine players signed to play in college, including defensive back Jordyn Best at North Carolina State.
Since Ridge View alumnus and head coach Derek Howard took over the program five years ago, 37 college signees have come out of the Ridge View football program. The former Blazers quarterback has established a culture where excellence is expected, accountability is embraced, and character remains at the center of everything the Blazers do.
“Bojangles is thrilled that we could increase our partnership with Ridge View and help raise this event to a whole new level,” said B.J. Cobuluis, Director of Regional Marketing for Bojangles. “Everyone knows the Bojangles Bash as an incredible experience, and we’re excited to bring that same energy and unforgettable atmosphere to the Bojangles Ridge View Kickoff Classic. This partnership reflects our continued commitment to supporting high school athletics and the communities we serve.”
Tickets are now available at www.ridgeviewsports.com.
